We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Elizabeth Harris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren Elizabeth, how do you think about risk?
In my opinion, risk taking is integral to success. Of course, I mean this in the sense of risks that aren’t dangerous to your well being, but risks that make you nervous and could offer great value to your career path, I think are very important. Anyone who pursues a career in entertainment is inherently taking a risk as it’s not a path that often offers stability or a sense of security when starting out. For me, making the decision to apply to graduate school and find balance between my acting career, my podcast, while learning to be a producer, was putting a lot at stake. However, what I saw as the potential benefit to my career, was worth it. I also am a firm believer in reaching out to those who you respect in higher places for coffee or a Zoom which I know feels intimidating. I think it’s important to take the risk out of networking and realize that the potential learning benefit to your career is worth it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I grew up in the Philadelphia area and attended Quaker school for 14 years. I was very lucky and had a community who believed in me, from my drama teacher, Terry Guerin, who prepped me for my college auditions, to my parents who always supported my pursuit of a career in acting. I attended USC where I majored in Acting and Spanish, and started creating my own content after meeting my collaborators at The British American Drama Academy. After acting, producing and writing professionally for a few years, I decided to pursue my MFA in Producing from Columbia University. There are many lessons that I’ve learned, one is that there’s something to be learned from everything, two is that you’re never too good for any opportunity, and three is that persistence is the key to life. Without the help I received from others along the way, I wouldn’t be where I am, and I’m committed to offering others that same helping hand.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So many! Definitely hike Los Leones in the Palisades, Franklin Canyon Reservoir, and Solstice Canyon in Malibu. Eat at Bestia, Fritto Misto, Max’s Mexican, Farfalla, and Panini Kabob Grill! I love visiting The Getty Museum and Griffith Observatory. LA has so much to offer!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to give a shout out to SheNYC! They are doing such an amazing job of promoting the theatrical work done by women, minority and non binary communities. Though the pandemic was tough on a lot of organizations supporting theater, they made it out the other side and I’m very proud to serve on their board. This industry offers no manual on how to find success via your creativity, and I think anyone who offers a helping hand should be honored for their work.

Website: laurenelizabethharris.com

Instagram: @laurenelizabetharris

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-elizabeth-harris-699217b8/

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